-LRB- Tribune Media Services -RRB- -- Europe is investing in its infrastructure , and travelers know the results are breathtaking . With the English Channel tunnel , trains speed from Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower in about 2.5 hours . You zip under the English Channel in 20 minutes ... looking out the window for fish .

Europe 's high-speed rail is so successful that one airline is considering getting into the business .

More travelers now connect London and Paris by train than by air -- and high-speed rail between these two cities may get even faster and cheaper in the near future .

Eurostar , a joint service of the Belgian , British and French railways , is the speedy passenger train that zips you -LRB- and up to 800 others in 18 sleek cars -RRB- from downtown Paris to downtown London more easily than flying . Direct Eurostar service from London to Brussels also takes 2.5 hours . The actual tunnel crossing is a 20-minute , black , silent , 100-mile-per-hour nonevent . Your ears wo n't even pop .

In the 15 years that the bullet train has been running , not much has changed except London 's Eurostar station -- it 's now St. Pancras International -LRB- in Paris it stops at Gare du Nord ; in Brussels it 's Midi Station -RRB- . But starting this winter , the pace of change is speeding up . In December , a high-speed connection between Brussels and Amsterdam opens , cutting the journey from London to Amsterdam by an hour .

In January , Eurostar 's monopoly on using the Chunnel -- the tunnel beneath the English Channel -- expires . With its London-Paris flights suffering , Air France realized if you ca n't beat 'em join 'em . In 2008 it announced a competing high-speed rail service between London and Paris to start in late 2010 -- but the economic downturn could put that service on hold . Air France will use the same tracks , but says its trains could run faster than Eurostar 's -LRB- a claim that Eurostar disputes -RRB- .

The competition can only be good for travelers , but for now , you 'll have to use Eurostar . Their fares are reasonable but complicated . Prices vary depending on how far ahead you reserve , whether you can live with refund restrictions , and whether you 're eligible for any discounts -LRB- children , youths , seniors , round-trip travelers , and railpass holders all qualify -RRB- .

Fares can change without notice , but typically a one-way , full-fare ticket -LRB- with no restrictions on refunds -RRB- runs about $ 425 first-class and $ 300 second-class . Cheaper seats come with more restrictions and can sell out quickly -LRB- figure $ 80 to $ 160 for second-class , one-way -RRB- . Unlike our cheapo airlines , you can take two large bags and one small day bag per person for no extra fee .

Since only the most expensive -LRB- full-fare -RRB- ticket is fully refundable , do n't reserve until you 're sure of your plans . But if you wait too long , the best deals will get bought up .

When you 're ready to ride , you 'll find the process is similar to an airport check-in -- without all the drama , sole-baring shoe inspections , and waiting . You must be at the station at least 30 minutes in advance of your Eurostar trip . You 'll pass through airport-like security , show your passport to customs officials , and find your departure gate listed on a TV monitor . There are a few shops , newsstands , snack bars , and cafes -LRB- I usually bring better , cheaper food for the trip from elsewhere -RRB- , pay-Internet terminals , and a currency-exchange booth with rates about the same as you 'll find on the other end .

I like to ride in second class -LRB- Standard class -RRB- to save money . First class -LRB- also called Leisure Select -RRB- gets you a little more leg and elbow room , a newspaper , a classy meal , and power plugs at your seat .

As you zoom along at speeds up to 185 miles per hour , consider how long it took to link Britain and France . Since the days of Napoleon there had been talk about a tunnel under the English Channel , but it was n't until 1986 that the two countries finally reached an agreement to build it together . Once the digging started , crews crept forward 100 feet a day until June 1991 , when French and English workers broke through and shook hands midway across the Channel . Voila ! Cheers ! The tunnel was complete .

With 24 miles underwater , it 's the world 's longest undersea tunnel . The ambitious project helped to show the European community that cooperation between nations could benefit everyone . High-tech know-how , a shared European vision , and people 's love of travel have created incredibly fast trains that crisscross , link and strengthen Europe .

Whizzing along on a European bullet train is the greenest way to go -- far more fuel-efficient and less polluting than flying . Every time I ride through the Chunnel -- caught up on my research , well rested and unfrazzled -- I 'm thankful for Europe 's comfortable rail network .

Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio . E-mail him at rick@ricksteves.com, or write to him c/o P.O. Box 2009 , Edmonds , Wash. 98020 .

Copyright 2009 RICK STEVES , DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES , INC. .

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The Eurostar train zips under the English Channel in 20 minutes

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Air France is planning a competing rail service between London and Paris

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A one-way , full-fare ticket runs about $ 425 first-class and $ 300 second-class

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Cheaper seats come with more restrictions and can sell out quickly